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Ben Allen
by Dorothy Lepkowska
In April, the government thought they were equivalent to ular jobs rather than more broadly available in certain parts of the
Editor
announced that the courses – a mix university degrees. to certain types of careers. country, and the marketing and
Pete Henshaw – 020 7501 6771
of practical and academic learning The second survey, which “The introduction of Diplomas information campaigns have been
pete.h@markallengroup.com
Many teenagers know little if – had passed a “crucial tipping involved 212 of the same in humanities, languages and sci- targeted in those areas,” she said.
Deputy editor
anything about Diplomas, or have point”, and predicted that 40,000 pupils, showed some increase in ence may go some way towards “As we roll out these qualifi-
David Taylor – 020 7501 6772 decided that they are a less attractive pupils would be studying for them awareness. However, a quarter still emphasising the relevance of the cations across the whole country,
david@markallengroup.com option than A levels, according to a from this month. By this time next had no idea what Diplomas were qualification to a wider range of more and more parents and young
Chief reporter new study. year, it is anticipated that 97 per and many believed they were an occupations,” she added. people will find out about them.
Chris Parr – 020 7501 6750 Researchers at the University cent of local authorities could offer easier option to A levels. A quarter Schools minister Diana Johnson “Campaign tracking of parents
Illustrator
of Reading questioned 15 and 16- the qualifications. of those asked said that they would said the Department for Children, and young people in the areas of the
Christos Mais
year-olds at 11 secondary schools The researchers carried consider studying for one. Schools and Families was “working country where Diplomas are offered
in the south of England, and found out initial surveys a year ago Elizabeth McCrum, lead author hard” to disseminate information shows more people are becoming
Editorial advisory panel
that many did not consider the new and followed these up in seven of the study, said: “Our survey about the new qualifications. aware of this qualification.”
qualifications as a viable route into schools just prior to this year’s strongly suggests that while A lev- She said more than seven out
Paul Ainsworth, Deputy
higher education or the workplace. GCSEs. The majority of the els remain they are the qualification of 10 schools and 90 per cent • SecEd is launching Delivering
headteacher, Belvoir High School,
The findings were presented to 412 pupils who answered the of choice. of colleges were offering it, and Diplomas, a magazine offering sup-
Leicestershire. Mark Blois,
the British Educational Research first questionnaire knew only “Many pupils are deterred from it had been endorsed by most port to Diploma deliverers. Sign
Browne Jacobson. Leo Gilbert,
Association conference in that Diplomas were a type of the Diploma because they perceive universities. up to receive your free copy at
Vice principal, Harris Academy,
Manchester last week. qualification, while 10 per cent it to be specifically related to partic- “Diplomas are only currently www.deliveringdiplomas.com
south London. Hilary Moriarty,
National director, Boarding
Schools’ Association. Neill
Morton, Headteacher, Portora
New award offers SEN
Royal School, Enniskillen. Helen Teachers urged
Nurton, Assistant headteacher,
Guildford County School, Surrey.
Tina Stockman, Teacher, Harlaw
teachers £15,000 prize
Academy, Aberdeen. Ray Tarleton, to highlight
Headteacher, South Dartmoor
Community College, Ashburton,
Special needs teachers could win TreeHouse, a charity for autism
Devon. Dr Bernard Trafford,
up to £15,000 to support their work education, said it was vital for
Headteacher, The Royal Grammar uniform grants
after the creation of a new category young people to have their SEN
School, Newcastle upon Tyne.
in the 2010 Teaching Awards. understood and addressed so that
Simon Viccars, Headteacher, Leon
The Henry Winkler Teaching they have the same opportunities as
School and Sports College, Milton
Year 7 teachers are being urged child poverty and improving the Award for Special Needs, named their peers.
Keynes. Alex Wood, Headteacher,
to pass on information about life chances of our children and after the actor who played “The She added: “It is timely to see
Tynecastle High School, Edinburgh.
£770,000 worth of uniform grants young people. Fonz” in television sitcom Happy those teachers who are doing such a
being made available to low “The Welsh Assembly gov- Days, celebrates the importance of fantastic job in enabling children to
income families in Wales. ernment recognises that poverty good special needs teaching, and is reach their full potential being given
Sales director
Wales’s education minister, impacts on children and young one of three new categories in this the recognition they deserve.”
Matt Govett – 020 7501 6735
Jane Hutt, has earmarked £100 people in different ways. We year’s awards. The second new category for
Business development
each for eligible families at the want all children and young peo- Mr Winkler selected the 2010 is the Film My School Award
manager
start of the new school year. ple in Wales to have access to Teaching Awards as his favourite – a competition inviting students to
Abdul Hayee – 020 7501 6776
The all-Wales scheme, which experiences and opportunities charity in an Absolute Radio com- make a short film celebrating their
Classified sales was introduced in June 2005, pro- and not to be disadvantaged by petition earlier this year, and beat school. The winning entry will win
Rachel McElhinney – 020 7501 6728 vides grants to all pupils who are poverty.” other high profile figures to win £5,000 worth of film equipment.
eligible for free school meals, She said that simple and cost £40,000 for his chosen cause. The final new Teaching Award
Subscription manager including those in special schools, effective measures like the school He is a passionate campaigner is Outstanding Team of the Year,
Chris Hoskins
special needs and pupil referral uniform grant, which ensure for special needs issues, having Happy Days: The Henry which will recognise staff that work
Circulation director
units who are aged 11 at the start that all children can wear the himself struggled through school Winkler Teacher Award for together to achieve exceptional
Sally Boettcher
of the school year. correct uniform, can “improve with dyslexia. His three children are Special Needs will celebrate things.
Ms Hutt said: “The finan- the life chances of children and also dyslexic. the importance of good The 11 other Teaching Award
cial pressures on many families families from less well off back- He told SecEd: “My thoughts SEN teaching categories reward individual staff,
Circulation department:
have been even greater in the grounds”. are not just lip service, but rather a including teachers, headteachers,
Tel: 01722 716997
last year due to the economic Local authorities administer point of view that comes from the make their differences a priority, teaching assistants, and governors,
Fax: 01722 716926
email: subscriptions@
downturn. the school uniform grant scheme experience of being in their class- as opposed to treating them as a as well as sustainable schools.
markallengroup.com
“We strive to promote equality on the Assembly government’s rooms, talking to their students, nuisance.” Nominations are now open for
and we are committed to tackling behalf. and watching my own children Sara Osborne, director of pol- the 2010 awards. For details, visit
UK annual rates:
thrive because someone cared to icy, research and development at www.teachingawards.com
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companies etc) £100
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Rest of world annual rates: SecEd is back for the new term with edited or supplemented before You can email your answers,
Personal £113 another incredible ICT giveaway. being uploaded to a game, to including your name, school and
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We have teamed up with special- support students with special needs, contact details, to Pete Henshaw,
ist provider of curriculum software or extend learning opportunities for the editor of SecEd, on pete.h@
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The addition of this new Games
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Pack and Question Editor Suite has each Games Pack Suite offers cur- uploaded to one or more of 12 2D To be in with a chance of winning this entries and announced in SecEd
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 SecEd • September 10 2009
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